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Tobacco-Free

Creating an AIR OF RESPECT for Our Environment & Community.

UTEP Tobacco-Free

The University of Texas at El Paso appreciates your cooperation as we are now a smoke and tobacco-free campus. The policy is part of the university’s promotion of respect toward our environment and community.

The use of any tobacco products is prohibited in university buildings, grounds, sidewalks, walkways, and university owned property and applies to all students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors. For the full text of the policy please visit the Handbook of Operating Procedures.

Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is related to increased health risks according to a recent report by the Surgeon General. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. UTEP has a focus on promoting health and wellness among our community. For all those who want to quit, there are resources available.

Contact Information:

Need to get in touch with Tobacco-Free UTEP? It's easy, simply e-mail us at:
tobaccofree@utep.edu

Report an Area of Concern

We appreciate your support. If you notice a regular pattern of smoking or vaping in a certain area of campus, please use this anonymous reporting tool.

Tobacco-Free Together

Centennial Stories - Tobacco Free Campus from UTEP, Institute of Oral History on Vimeo.

As part of the Smoke and Tobacco Free campus activities, a cigarette butt clean-up took place on Monday, February 24, 2014. Each orange flag represents one cigarette butt, and close to 3,000 flags were utilized in this activity.

Tobacco Free Event
Tobacco Free Event
Tobacco Free Event
Tobacco Free Event

2012 Pre-Policy Survey Results

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88.9% of current smokers were light and intermittent (nondaily) smokers (on average, smoked between one and ten cigarettes per day on the days they smoked).

Approximately half (49.6%) of current smokers reported a serious interest in quitting within the next month or six months.

The majority of participants (56.5%) reported a preference for a restrictive policy regarding tobacco use on campus; one that prohibits all tobacco use on campus at all times, or one that prohibits smoking anywhere on campus at all times.

THE MAJORITY OF PARTICIPANTS PERCEIVED A PROBLEMATIC USE OF TOBACCO ON SELECTED CAMPUS AREAS AT SOME LEVEL (FROM MINOR TO SEVERE)
74.9% OF PARTICIPANTS PERCEIVED A PROBLEMATIC USE OF TOBACCO AT ENTRANCES/EXITS TO/FROM BUILDINGS
65.7% OF PARTICIPANTS PERCEIVED A PROBLEMATIC USE OF TOBACCO OUTSIDE ON THE CAMPUS
59.2% OF PARTICIPANTS PERCEIVED A PROBLEMATIC USE OF TOBACCO ON STUDENT EVENTS ON CAMPUS
73.3% OF PARTICIPANTS AGREED THAT COLLEGES SHOULD REGULATE TOBACCO USE ON CAMPUS
79.8% OF PARTICIPANTS AGREED THAT COLLEGES HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ADOPT POLICIES THAT ENSURE PEOPLE HAVE A SMOKE-FREE AIR TO BREATHE

FAQs - General Questions

The tobacco-free campus policy was adopted by the UT System Office of General Counsel and placed in the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures on August 5, 2013. It was officially announced by the Office of the President, on Thursday, February 20, 2014.

No, UTEP allowed smoking on campus and restricted use near entrances and exits. By choosing to go smoke and tobacco-free, we are removing the potential negative side effects associated with tobacco use (i.e., health issues, litter).
Tobacco products include, but are not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco or all other tobacco products. Additionally being tobacco-free means we are doing more than eliminating the use of tobacco products and are moving towards a cleaner, healthier, and more respectful environment.
No. It is not the intention of the University of Texas at El Paso to regulate the personal use of tobacco or eliminate tobacco products.
There are several options available for those who wish to quit. For more information visit www.yesquit.org/ and our Human Resources page.
No, temporary signage was placed after the policy rolled out, but there will not be permanent signage placed. Education regarding the policy will be ongoing.
There is one exception to the policy. See the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures for further details. See the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures for further details.
No, tobacco products include but are not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco or all other tobacco products. See the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures for further details.
Within the UT System most schools have announced they are tobacco-free including UT Austin and UT San Antonio.

Who does this effect?

Yes, the policy applies to all who visit or work on University property.
Yes. The policy will affect anyone who comes onto campus for a public or private event. Any outside organization, agency or group who uses on-campus facilities will be expected to adhere to this policy as they would any other policy in the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures.

Coverage and/or Area

No. The policy applies only to events on campus. See the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures for further details.
University property include but are not limited to, all enclosed or partially enclosed areas such as walkways, breezeways, bus shelters, sidewalks, parking lots, and parking structures, whether attached or unattached. See the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures.
Yes
Tobacco and Smoke Free areas apply throughout the University Property, including all grounds, sidewalks, parking areas, structures, and buildings, whether or not signs are posted. No ashtrays or smoking shelters will be provided on University Property, as it is in its entirety designated as a University Tobacco and Smoke Free Area.

Enforcement

We are instituting this policy with the intention of creating a culture of respect for tobacco users and non-tobacco users alike. The purpose of the policy is not to be punitive; however, instead to create a culture of respect which means it is up to the individual smoker to respect him/herself and his/her fellow students and adhere to the policy. Self-enforcement has been key during the implementation of similar policies. An individual who feels that there has been a violation of this policy should attempt to resolve the problem informally by requesting that the individual comply with the policy.
No. We will have signs outside of the facility reminding visitors of the policy, as well as announcements during games but the policy will be predominantly self-enforced.
The individual should attempt to resolve the problem informally by requesting that the individual comply with the policy. If direct appeal fails and the behavior persists, the individual should contact the Office of Human Resources or Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs for referral to the appropriate administrative official. See the UTEP Handbook of Operating Procedures for further details.

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